To my high school teachers,
Becoming a teacher is a big decision, and you made the right decision.
Your career choice was influenced by your love of learning, teaching and the success of students. You definitely showed me that you loved those things. Throughout the four years of high school, you taught us way more than we bargained for. We didn't know it at first, but your class would teach us way more than what the syllabus said. You told us about your life, mistakes, successes and gave us so much advice. Some students probably never remembered your words, though that didn't stop you from saying them anyway. But, don't worry, I listened to and took your guidance seriously.
I know you didn't love every day, or every student, but you attempted to. From the ones who caused constant trouble and distractions, the quiet ones, the ones who always raised their hands or the students that never showed up, you still wanted them all to succeed. You wanted every student to see the subject you were passionate about in a new light and understanding. You knew going into each school year that your classes would be full of kids that hated math or didn't care about the War of 1812, but you taught anyway.
You were there when students had bad and good days, when tears streamed from our faces, and we were there when you became frustrated. Whenever you had a rough day, we were there for you too, because we all were in it together. I'm sure that made you happy knowing that we had your back, and I know that it forced you to never give up, even if you wanted to.
No one will ever know the time you put in to make sure your lessons were perfect and your classroom beautifully decorated. No one will ever be able to take your knowledge and passion for each incoming class. No one can stop you in your pursuit of making sure all of your children, biological or not, are cared for and prepped for a life of challenges and new endeavors. No one can replace you. No one can do your job the way you do it.
Most students will never tell you how much they appreciated you during those four crazy years called high school. Moreover, many students will not even understand that they appreciated you in the first place. Your impact on every student was huge, whether you or anyone else knows that. But I will tell you this: You are one of a kind. You are amazing and strong. You are too often underestimated and undervalued. But I hope you know that there are former students out there like me that will never forget you. Your imprint on our hearts and minds will never fade.
